Despite the aura of goodwill, this time of the year finds plenty of people short of cash. The same, apparently, is true of those who make their living by illicit means. As we reported on here, this is one of those times each year when residential break-ins increase.

Daytime housebreaks, once thought brazen, are now commonplace events, and nighttime break-ins, when people are more likely to be home, can be even more frightening to the victims.

Often, perpetrators work in teams, with a car waiting in the wings a street or two away in which to make an escape. As such, police in West Boylston are asking residents to report any suspicious activity or vehicles in their neighborhoods.

It can be a tough call. This is also the time of year when people have friends and relatives visiting, people tend to drop off presents and college-aged children return home. The wrong call could bring ill will. But it's the right call.

Realistically, all responding officers are going to do is ask some questions. In a best case scenario, if there's nothing amiss, it's a few minutes of everyone's time. If something is wrong, it could very well save your neighbors a lot of aggravation. This is the time of year many people could use some extra cash, the last thing people need to be is replacing a door and window, stolen gifts and the peace of mind that is often lost when their sanctuary – their home – is violated.